Town Square

Syria: What now?

Original post made
on Sep 7, 2013

Syria's use of chemical weapons is up for discussion in this week's [Web Link Raucous Caucus]. Although the use of poison gas in warfare has been banned since WWI but several governments, including the U.S., maintain stockpiles -- Tom Cushing asks readers to decide what actions they would take as Commander in Chief.

Posted by Danville Independent
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Sep 7, 2013 at 3:51 am

Wow,...what a mess. First off, this whole incident magnifies the shortcomings and inadequacies of the United Nations. What should be an International response to the 400 children (1,400 total) being killed by the use of chemical weapons (or ANY weapons for that matter, goes by the wayside. I understand the workings of this body, but my God, what the hell good are they?! Time to change their charter, and not let one or two countries (Russia and China) stop any action by the world as a whole when something like this occurs. Mess,...indeed!

Secondly, the "box" we as a country find ourselves in. It is my belief that President Obama is quite right when he says such actions are unacceptable, and must be acted on. But here's where I will part ways with the President's course of action (probably - we'll have to wait and see how it plays out): I want our country in no way acting alone! Yes, I know France and Turkey are ready to stand by us, but when the British, Canadian, and Australian Parliments have decided to step away from any involvement in this International monstrosoty, I question our engagement as well. Maybe now is just not the right time. Is there a different response or course of action that might better serve the situation.

And our past history adds to my confusion. When Iraq used chemical weapons against Iran, our response was quite different. Yes we condemned them, but we certainly didn't attack them (...could it be that it was because it was used against the hated Iranians at the time? What's that say about us as a country, our politicians, and our policies?).

And thevother courses we can take: even those are difficult at best. Arming and giving military assist to the rebels? OK,...but which group of rebels? NONE of them are pro-western,....NONE of them. No action? Maybe,...but then THAT will empower other rouge nations into thinking they too, can do as they wish with no consequences - (and this to me is a very scary, and very REAL threat!)

Like I say,...it's a mess. I pray that we as a country make the right moves going forward.

Posted by Danville Independent
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on Sep 10, 2013 at 8:29 am

Thoughtless comments concerning the use of "chemical weapons?" IMO, that was indeed the RIGHT approach for us to take as a country. I'm proud of him for taking this stand (and of course there was no backlash from the "Righties" and the 'bagger community" when he DID issue the statement. They, at the time, apparently thought he wasn't out of line).

That being said, I hope the new developments are allowed to play out! Bravo, Mr. President,...well played!!

Posted by Go Dems 2016!
a resident of Blackhawk
on Sep 10, 2013 at 11:37 am

Net is he pursued evidence, presented it and made sure he sought consensus. Us being weary of getting involved in Syria is understandable but that does not change the fact that Obama followed the right steps and was mindful that it would be a tough climb.

Looking forward to a sensible resolution to this whole thing soon.

In my book he has many many more +'s then -'s on what he has done for
the country so far.